You can’t stay here
You may stay here, should you choose
You are wanted here, by many, without a doubt
But it’s written all over every cell of your body
That you can not stay here
That you will not stay here
“It’s ok, no matter what happens.” they tell me, but I fear for them anyway. Their logic, reason, and emotional intelligence is some of the most powerful I’ve ever seen. I fear for them — their potential disappointment, sadness, loneliness, heartbreak — they act like their shields are all securely in place but I sense joints in their defenses where pain can seep through.
I’m sure you’ll never read this
This lesson could never come from me
But I do hope you learn it
Somewhere, from someone
I know it may be so, so very hard
For many of us to believe this
(Trust me, I do)
But please do consider the possibility
That you can make the space you need
To hold and keep everything they have to offer you
Feet for the solid planet beneath me
Hands for the companion life on its surface
Keeping my mouth free
For howling under the moon that lights my way
Over dew and leaves
Calling my pack to my side
…
…While I have not lived your life
I have lived mine
And mine has lead me to exactly who I am today…
Nothing lasts forever
Neither episodes nor greetings
One day, none left
No more
I race to catch them
but I turn around the thick green corner
brushing against it with a rustle
and I can’t see their outline ahead anymore
all I see is green and shadow
down the leafy corridor
…
Burning coals may have been smothered
Bitter nettles, processed
Until now, cooled and shredded, harmless
As long as I take care
To never swallow them again
Your fading presence will one day leave a hole in my life I’m not sure I could fill again.
You walk through my life with gentle steps, in shoes none other can fit.
One day the footsteps will become quieter. I’ll strain to hear them, and a sad echo will surround each distant tap.
.
July 12, 2025
(Reflections on a friend and predicted futures.)
When she lets you in, everything will change.
You will not be in our world anymore.
The world will swirl around you
and her
and her
and her.
.
July 7, 2025
(Reflecting upon the potential future romantic success of a friend.)